May 9, 2006

Stony Brook, N.Y.-Leonora Joy and Michael Crooks were named Stony Brook Athletes of the Year as Stony Brook University recognized the most outstanding performances of the 2005-06 school year at the 2006 Athletic Awards Banquet held Monday evening on campus at the Student Activities Center. The venue, decorated in Stony Brook red, saw over 450 people in attendance, as Monday's event marked the highest attended end-of-the-year banquet in the program's history.

Joy and Crooks took home the highest honors of the evening after leading their respective teams.

Joy became the third cross country and track athlete in the past four years to capture Female Athlete of the Year accolades. The first four-time America East all-conference and three-time All-Northeast Region finisher in Stony Brook cross country history, Joy became the third Stony Brook runner in four years to win the women's individual title at America East Championships in 2005. She then went on to earn All-Region honors for the third time in her career after finishing 11th at the NCAA Northeast Regional, which was the second highest finish at the meet in program history.

Male Athlete of the Year Michael Crooks and Director of Athletics Jim Fiore

Crooks, a four-time America East all-conference selection in men's tennis, went undefeated in both singles and doubles in America East Tournament play. A week ago, he rallied back from a one-set deficit at No. 2 singles to clinch the first America East men's tennis championship in program history. For his efforts, he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Championships.

The evening marked one of the most successful years in athletics at Stony Brook University. The program included senior reflections by Jessie Boylan, a women's basketball player, and Crooks, and the presentations of the Most Valuable and Most Improved Players for each of the 20 Stony Brook intercollegiate athletic teams.

Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Randy Susman presented Marrisa Trachtenberg with the Faculty Athletic Representative Award for the high level of contribution she has given her team, campus and community.

36 Stony Brook student-athletes completed their careers with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and were honored for their outstanding academic achievements. Tal Meir and Kim Harris achieved the highest grade point averages throughout their years at Stony Brook and were honored with Senior Scholar-Athlete Awards, marking their tremendous contributions to their teams.